Overview
- Forwards coach Paul O'Connell said Saturday that all 37 players have settled in Sydney and were training without new injury setbacks ahead of the opener.
- Ireland suffered a string of pre-tour injuries to key men including captain Caelan Doris, Jack Crowley and Andrew Porter but returned with replacements and recovered concerns such as Stuart McCloskey.
- Dan Sheehan has been named tour captain and uncapped players including Ulster brothers Bryn and Zac Ward plus Connacht trio Billy Bohan, Sam Illo and Sean Janse have been added to the group.
- Ireland open the three-Test swing against Australia at Allianz Stadium on 4 July, then face Japan in Newcastle on 11 July and New Zealand at Eden Park on 18 July.
- Coaches say the block will be used to speed team cohesion and manage playing minutes after a heavy season, with success on tour likely to shape selection and Ireland's run into November’s Nations Championship fixtures and a possible finals weekend.